Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Municipal Services & Operations
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TO: |
Tom Markus, City Manager |
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FROM: |
Mark Thiel, Program Specialist |
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CC: |
Charles Soules, Assistant Director |
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Date: |
March 5, 2019 |
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RE: |
City Manager’s Report 3/5/19 - Sidewalk Hazard Mitigation Program |
Program Background
In October 2016, the City Commission directed the City Manager to develop a program that would actively address sidewalk hazards throughout the community. In March of 2017, staff presented the first version of the Sidewalk Hazard Mitigation Program to the City Commission. After discussion, this item was deferred for staff to consider additional input.
In March of 2018, staff proposed a revised version of the program, which included options for need-based financial assistance, to the City Commission for direction. After discussion, the Commission directed staff to proceed with the implementation of the program for fiscal year 2019. In August of 2018, The Commission allocated $1,000,000.00 of funding for this program; $200,000.00 for sidewalk hazards and ADA ramps that are the City’s responsibility to repair and $800,000.00 for financial assistance.
Program Status
The zone selected for the 2019 program is generally West of Wakarusa Drive and North of Bob Billings Parkway. There were approximately 430 sidewalk hazards identified.
Staff is in the process of bidding a project to repair hazards that are the City’s responsibility. This contract’s pricing will be extended to private property owners for their use in addressing their responsibilities for sidewalk hazard repair.
The first hazard notification letters will be sent to property owners in March 2019. Property owners will have 60 days from the date of the notice to make the necessary repairs.
This program contains two financial assistance elements: A cost-sharing grant assistance program (a 50/50 cost share) and an income-based financial aid program. Residential, owner-occupied properties, with sidewalks adjacent to two or more sides of their property can qualify for the cost-sharing program. Residential, owner-occupied properties, where the owner can qualify under the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 80% income guidelines, can qualify for the financial aid program. Financial assistance is limited and will be prioritized in the order that applications are received.
Additional information about this program including; information about the annual zone locations, an interactive map showing the hazard locations, financial assistance, sidewalk hazard policy, standard specifications and details and an FAQ section, can be found at https://lawrenceks.org/sidewalk-hazard/.
2019 ZONE
Attached